New York: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that the idea of a Hindu Rashtra does not mean excluding Muslims or followers of other faiths, asserting that anyone who believes Muslims have no place in India has misunderstood Hindutva.
Speaking at a “One World, One Humanity” event in New York, Bhagwat referred to questions he received from members of the Muslim community following his 2018 address in New Delhi. He recalled being asked whether the RSS’s vision of a Hindu Rashtra meant Muslims would be forced out of India.
His answer, he said, was no.
Bhagwat argued that Hindu philosophy recognises different religious paths while emphasising a shared spiritual truth. “If any Hindu thinks there should be no Muslims in Bharat, he may not be a Hindu,” he said, stressing the importance of accepting different faiths.
He also highlighted India’s historical tradition of providing shelter to people belonging to different religious communities. According to Bhagwat, diversity and unity are not contradictory, but essential to India’s social fabric.
“Diversity must be protected and respected,” he said, describing unity in diversity as a natural reality.
The RSS chief linked this philosophy to the broader idea of humanity as one family and argued that social change should begin with individuals putting collective welfare above narrow personal or political interests.
Bhagwat also recalled that his 2018 remarks led to greater dialogue between the RSS and members of Muslim and Christian communities. He maintained that the organisation’s service activities are not based on religious discrimination.
His latest comments came amid controversy surrounding his US visit. Some interfaith and civil rights groups had opposed his appearance in New York, while organisers defended the programme as an effort to promote global harmony, mutual respect and the idea that humanity constitutes one family.